The entity [VM_Name] is in an invalid state for operation poweroff when attempting to power off a vApp in VMware Cloud Director

Products

• VMware Cloud Director

Issue/Introduction

When attempting to power off a vApp in VMware Cloud Director, the following error is displayed:

The entity [VM_Name] is in an invalid state for operation poweroff.

This issue occurs when the power state of the VM in vCenter does not match the power state in VCD.

Environment

• VMware Cloud Director
• VMware vCenter Server
• vApps and VMs managed by VCD

Cause

This issue arises when the VM’s power state is manually changed directly in vCenter instead of being managed through the VCD interface. VCD relies on a synchronised database of VM states with vCenter. Changing the power state directly in vCenter creates a mismatch, leading to the "invalid state" error.

Resolution

1. Log in to vCenter.
2. Identify the VM associated with the vApp.
3. Check the VM’s current power state in vCenter.
4. Compare the VM’s power state in vCenter with the power state displayed in VCD.
5. If a mismatch is identified, adjust the power state in vCenter to match the state shown in VCD.
6. Once the power states are synchronized, attempt to power off the vApp through VCD.

For example:

• If VCD shows the VM as powered on, ensure the VM in vCenter is also powered on.
• If VCD shows the VM as powered off, ensure the VM in vCenter is also powered off.

Additional Information

This behavior is by design to ensure data consistency between VCD and vCenter.

Always manage the power states of VMs that are part of vApps through the VCD interface.

Avoid making direct power state changes in vCenter for VMs managed by VCD.